Driving Digital Innovation In Fire Services at Airbus SAFEcommand
The annual Airbus SAFEcommand event is the perfect forum for Panasonic TOUGHBOOK to explore how frontline first responders are consuming the cutting-edge technology they require to keep communities safe. Here are my key takeaways from the event.
written by: Will Holmes, Business Manager (Public Sector), Panasonic TOUGHBOOK
Subscriptions Make a Strong Impression
Traditionally, the public sector has relied on a CAPEX model, purchasing hardware outright and using it for as long as possible. But, with budgets tight and operational agility and increased innovation a priority, organisations need a streamlined, scalable and cost-effective way to manage crucial technology in the field. As a result, a number of emergency services bodies are now migrating towards a subscription-based OPEX model, similar to how we consume services in our day-to-day lives.
This is why TOUGHBOOK has launched its end-to-end Mobile-IT As-a-Service (MaaS) offering, providing businesses with cutting-edge hardware, essential software and dedicated support.
With MaaS, fire services no longer need to worry about the complexities of upgrading, maintaining or replacing IT assets. With hardware, in-vehicle installation, image creation, deployment and endpoint security bundled together for a single, monthly subscription, fire services always have access to fit-for-purpose technology.
After overviewing this to delegates at SAFEcommand with TOUGHBOOK Sales Engineer, Jared Hill, it´s opularity means we’ll be busy with follow-up conversations in the weeks and months ahead!
Urgency builds around migration to Windows 11
With Windows 10 reaching end of life in October 2025, the move to Windows 11 was on everyone’s lips at SAFEcommand. Many organisations are struggling with limited internal IT resources to navigate the complex transition – from both a hardware and software perspective.
This is where TOUGHBOOK, as a trusted industry partner, can ensure organisations are properly equipped with the right strategy, support and technology to migrate to Windows 11. In fact, we have already built and managed Windows 11 device images and configured Copilot usage, for a number of customers to deploy Windows 11 devices in the field.
Panasonic Delivering Data-Driven Insights at the Edge
In addition to using rugged notebooks and tablets as traditional Mobile Data Terminals (MDT), fire services are now supercharging the rear of their appliances with secondary devices, such as the rugged TOUGHBOOK 33mk4.
When outside of the vehicle at an incident, this provides firefighters with mission-critical insights and data such as vehicle schematics, crash analytics and live operational plans. These secondary units have evolved from “nice-to-have” devices to non-negotiable frontline assets.
Of course, AI was never far from everyone’s minds at SAFEcommand. It was great to see how fire services are embracing the technology to increase efficiency and productivity at an incident, enabling frontline teams to make better-informed decisions.
Sharing and accessing this data is enhanced by fast and secure communication networks. Many organisations are now requesting ruggedised in-vehicle routers that deliver superfast 5G connectivity in the field, further increasing efficiency, as the industry continues the transition to the Emergency Services Network (ESN).
This is where Panasonic’s rugged, 5G-ready TOUGHBOOK G2 2-in-1 detachable notebook is ideal for use inside and outside fire services vehicles. It features an AI-enabled Intel® processor and NPU, enabling firefighters to collect, store and analyse data at the edge, vastly improving efficiency and reducing reliance on cloud services.
Strong Partnerships Enhance Innovation
As budgets tighten and SLAs become increasingly stringent, fire services require smart, scalable and connected technology. In a world where resilience and innovation is key, Panasonic’s modern solutions and long-standing partnerships enable fire services to stay ahead of the curve.
At Airbus SAFEcommand, it was great to see how technology providers and fire services stakeholders are collaborating for the good of the industry, pushing the boundaries of hardware and software to ensure that first responders are equipped with the best tools to save lives and protect communities.
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